Thailand lifts state of emergency in Bangkok to boost tourism confidence

Thailand has lifted the state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas after a reduction in violence related to the country's ongoing political crisis.

The Thai Government decided to revoke the emergency decree, which had given security forces greater power, after the Department of Special Investigation said the risk had 'significantly decreased'.

The country hopes that the decision will 'have a good impact on the
country's image in terms of investment, business, tourism, as well as the daily lives of the general public.'

Unrest: Thai anti-government protesters attend a rally in front of the building of the United Nations in Bangkok

Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said the move will improve Thailand's international image after the sometimes violent political conflict left 23 dead and more than 700 were wounded since November.

Surapong told reporters: 'What the government has to do is ... to get rid of the military bunkers on the streets, which make the areas look like war zones.'

The decision comes as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said it believed the country would loose £1.6billion as the result of the ongoing anti-government protests.

The average number of foreign tourist arrivals fell to 45,000 per day in the first two months of 2014 compared to 70,000 in the same period of 2013.

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The government imposed the state of emergency became in the Bangkok area on January 22, after anti-government protesters threatened to shut down the capital by blocking intersections and occupying government offices.

Under it, security forces could issue orders, and search, arrest and detain people without court approval and with limited parliamentary oversight.

Restoring confidence: Thailand is hoping the decision to end the state of emergency will encourage tourists to return

The move comes weeks after protesters shut down their camps which were blocking key roads and relocated to Bangkok's Lumpini Park.

The city's businesses and struggling tourism industry welcomed the news.

National Security Council chief Paradorn Pattanathabutr said: 'We’re lifting the state of emergency after pleas from the business community that we do so to restore confidence.'

Protesters first took to the streets to call for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's resignation in November and violent clashes have marred the city ever since.

However, recently the numbers of demonstrators in the streets has dwindled as anti-government protesters have taken their arguments for Yingluck's ousting to the country's courts and targeted specific government buildings.

Experts are predicting the Prime Minister, whose brother was ousted from power in 2006 on corruption charges, will struggle to survive as leader of the country.

Troubled: The Tourism Authority of Thailand believe the unrest could lose the country £1.6billion if it continues

While relative calm has returned to the city, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is still warning tourists to be aware of ongoing protests.

The latest FCO advice warns: 'The main protest site is at Lumpini Park. There are smaller protest sites at Ratchadamnoen (from Phan Fah to Royal Plaza), the government complex at Chaeng Watthana, Government House and the Ministry of Interior. There are also sporadic rallies to government offices and private companies.

'There have been indiscriminate attacks involving weapons and explosives at protest sites and at protest marches. Attacks have taken place during the daytime and at night.

'You should take extra care and avoid all protests, political gatherings, demonstrations and marches.'